PCORI Proposal Focuses on 5 Broad Priorities

Yesterday, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) released its draft national priorities for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. The draft plan does not single out any specific diseases or interventions to study, but rather proposes 5 broad areas in which to focus the institute's efforts. Those areas are:

comparing assessments of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options

improving health care systems

communicating and disseminating research findings

addressing disparities

accelerating patient-centered and methodological research

PCORI now seeks public comments on whether these draft priorities and research agenda capture the areas where more evidence is needed to support decision making. In addition, PCORI will hold forums during the comment period (January 23-March 15), including focus groups in cities across the country and a National Patient and Stakeholder Dialogue in Washington, DC, February 27, in which anyone can participate either in person or via Webcast.

PCORI will review all of the input received and use it to revise the draft priorities and agenda before it adopts them. Once the initial priorities and agenda are adopted, PCORI will issue its first funding announcements for primary research in May.